Ambala

Researchers are evaluating how human pulp tissue responds to direct pulp capping using four different materials in premolars scheduled for extraction. The study involves patients aged 15 to 25 years undergoing orthodontic treatment. Only healthy premolars without caries or pulp disease signs are included to assess the tissue response accurately. This is a Phase 4 clinical study conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, MMCDSR, Mullana, Ambala. The study randomly divides 40 premolars into four equal groups, each receiving one of the pulp capping agents: Biodentine, Mineral Tri-Oxide Aggregate (MTA), TheraCal LC, or Tristrontium aluminate. The procedure involves preparing a class I cavity, intentionally exposing the pulp, and applying the assigned pulp capping material under a rubber dam. Teeth are restored permanently the same day except for the MTA group, where temporary restoration is done and permanent restoration follows after one day. Participants are followed up for symptoms one and seven days after treatment. Three months post-procedure, the premolars are atraumatically extracted and examined using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and histopathological methods. Researchers evaluate the formation and completeness of dentine bridges and the pulp tissue's reaction to each material. The primary outcomes measured are radiographic and histological evaluations of the pulp tissue at 90 days.

Researchers are investigating the reasons why some adults with diabetes have difficulty taking their medications as prescribed. The study focuses on understanding how various factors at different levels, including personal beliefs, family support, healthcare communication, and practical barriers like medication cost and access, influence medication adherence. The research uses a combined Health Ecology and COM-B behavioral framework to explore how capability, opportunity, and motivation interact to affect medication-taking behavior. The study involves a single outpatient visit during which participants complete structured, validated questionnaires and a prescription review to assess these different factors. No treatment or intervention is provided as part of the study. The evaluation includes individual medication literacy and beliefs, interpersonal support, healthcare communication quality, and structural access issues such as affordability and availability. Participants will be assessed once at enrollment regarding their medication adherence using a standardized scale along with questionnaires measuring the multiple ecological and behavioral factors influencing adherence. Data analysis will use statistical models to identify which factors are most strongly linked to adherence behavior. The study aims to provide evidence to guide future strategies for improving medication adherence in diabetes care, especially in resource-limited settings.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of two different default dialysate sodium concentrations, 137 mmol/l and 140 mmol/l, on major cardiovascular events and death in adults receiving maintenance haemodialysis. This pragmatic, cluster-randomised, open-label study takes place in real-world dialysis sites and aims to compare the outcomes associated with these sodium levels over an extended period. The study focuses on patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing regular haemodialysis treatment. Dialysis sites are randomly assigned to use either a default dialysate sodium concentration of 137 mmol/l or 140 mmol/l for at least 90% of dialysis sessions at that site. All other care practices continue as usual based on local standards. The study plans to recruit sites over 5 to 7 years, with individual follow-up lasting roughly 2 to 5 years. Site participation requires consent, while individual patient consent may be waived or offered an opt-out option. Participants will be monitored for major cardiovascular events and death, with the primary outcome measuring the time until the first such event occurs. Data collection methods are implemented across participating dialysis units, focusing only on in-center or satellite dialysis patients where applicable. The study's duration depends on the occurrence of endpoints, with an average follow-up of about 5 years anticipated per participant.

Researchers are developing and validating a new questionnaire called the Liver Cirrhosis Cognitive Decline Scale (LiCCoS) to assess cognitive difficulties in adults with liver cirrhosis. This observational, cross-sectional study focuses on common problems like attention, memory, and daily mental functioning that are often missed during routine care. The study aims to create a simple, patient-reported tool that reflects real-life cognitive challenges experienced by people with liver cirrhosis and to test its reliability and relationship with disease severity and other cognitive tests. The study involves several phases, including generating questionnaire items from literature and patient interviews, expert review for content validity, pilot testing for clarity and feasibility, and large-scale psychometric validation. Participants complete the LiCCoS questionnaire once during a routine outpatient visit or via a secure platform. Standard cognitive screening tools are also administered for comparison. No treatment or changes in medical care are involved, as the study is purely observational. Participants provide background information and complete the LiCCoS and standard cognitive tests. Researchers collect clinical and demographic data, verify medical records, and ensure data quality through predefined rules and checks. The main outcome is to evaluate the validity and reliability of LiCCoS scores at enrollment. The study includes adults aged 18 to 75 years with confirmed liver cirrhosis and aims to improve early recognition of cognitive difficulties to support better communication between patients and healthcare providers.